MANY times, when we look around us we don’t
like what we see. We see our scarcity and limitations. We see relationships
that are causing us distress. We look at our wayward children and we feel
overwhelmed. We check our bank balance and we feel hopeless. We see our
problems and we wish that a miracle will happen.
Miracles happen. But sometimes, you are the
miracle that must happen to turn around your situation. Sometimes, the miracle
you look out for can be found in you.
In the ancient Palestine city of Capernaum,
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues,
preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed
and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples,
‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest,
therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field’” (Matthew 9:35-38, NIV).
THE PARADOX
OF LIFE
CAPERNAUM was regarded as Jesus’ own town
because it was from this city that He operated His public ministry. The city
was wealthy due to fishing and trade. The city also hosted a customs duty and
the Roman garrison that protected the entire region of Galilee. Its culture was
heavily influenced by Greek and Roman manners, dress, architecture and
politics. Capernaum by all indications had the marks of a prosperous,
well-organised and secure city. Yet, the people were harassed and helpless like
sheep without shepherd. In other words, they were weary, confused and scattered
with no sense of direction.
My wonder is this: How can you live in such a
city and be disillusioned? Is it possible to live in a place of opportunity and
still be overwhelmed by your problems? The Congo River regarded as the world’s
deepest river (220m), the third largest river in the world by volume of water
discharged and ninth longest river (4700km). River Congo has enormous potential
to boost agriculture, aquaculture, transportation and energy. In fact, it is
the most powerful river in Africa. It is estimated that during the rainy
season, over 50,000 cubic metres of water flows into the Atlantic Ocean each
second. Consequently, there is massive opportunity to generate hydro-electric
power sufficient for all of sub-Saharan Africa’s energy requirements. Did you
see that? River Congo alone can defeat Africa’s energy challenge.
A substantial part of this region lies right
in the Tropical Zone, implying abundant sunlight which could also be tapped to
produce electricity. If we consider the huge reserve of crude oil and uranium,
the challenge of energy should not be a Goliath for Africa. Yet for many
Africans, darkness is as real as the sun is. The condition of the indigenes of
Capernaum is similar to the condition of the people of Africa. We are harassed and helpless.
THE WAY OUT
1. Compassion. Jesus had compassion on the people. He was
concerned about the misfortunes of the people. This concern moved Him to
preach, teach and heal all over the city. He did not remain apathetic. He
identified the needs of the people and felt that something should be done about
them. He put Himself in the shoes of the people and decided to help them.
2. Leadership.
The people looked like sheep
without shepherd. That was the root of their problem. They had no sense of
leadership and direction. Definitely, the city’s economy, culture and civilization
portrayed that the political leadership was somewhat up and doing but the
people themselves had no sense of initiative. Because of that, they could not
tap into the opportunities that surrounded them. The only way we can deal with
the issues in our lives is to exercise initiative; to lead ourselves out of our
frustrations. Jesus modeled this through His preaching, teaching and healing
ministry.
3. Interpretation. Speaking to His disciples, Jesus remarked
that, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” He looked at these
harassed people and called them the “harvest.” What is a harvest? Jesus used “harvest”
as a metaphor to refer to a people who are ready, available and willing to make
their lives meaningful. These same people were the “harvest” Jesus referred to.
How can a harassed and helpless people be referred to as a harvest? Jesus was
speaking to the potential of those people. He looked beyond their hopelessness
and focused on what could come out of them. When you look at your problems, do
you imagine how the solution would look like? That must become your mental
reality. Don’t make what you see with your eyes your stark reality. You can
create a new reality with your mind. The pictures you form in your mind become
your actual reality.
4. Commissioning. Jesus recommended that what these harassed
and helpless people needed to realize their potential was for the Lord of the
harvest to send workers into His field. Every problem is a potential
opportunity but you need to be commissioned to be able to tackle the problem.
Commissioning means being empowered to address a particular issue. This
empowerment comes when you pray to God to reveal to you the talent and ideas He
has equipped you with. You also need to pray for divine enablement. Divine
enablement is what we normally refer to in Christian circles as anointing. Then
get to work. You can’t fail.
YOUR turnaround moment is here. What are you
compassionate about? Exercise leadership and see the potential. Then seek to be
commissioned by the Almighty. Don’t be overwhelmed. You will make it.
© 2013 Terry Mante
Personal Development Network (PEDNET)
Accra, Ghana
